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The British racing driver stated he is immensely proud of the manner in which he clinched his first-ever Formula One world championship, stressing after emotional celebrations with his McLaren squad and family that he was pleased to have succeeded "in his own style".

The champion highlighted that he feels he raced fairly and without excessive aggression, a strategy for which he has been scrutinized for not displaying the often-praised "ruthless edge". He maintains that winning the title proves such an mentality is not essential.

The 26-year-old secured the title with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, beating his rival from Red Bull by a narrow margin. The Dutch driver took the checkered flag but could not overcome the 12-point advantage the McLaren driver held going into the last race.

"That's one of the things that makes me most proud," he commented. "I believe I have just managed to win it the way I wanted to, which was without becoming someone I’m not."

He elaborated, "Choosing not to be as combative as Max or as assertive as other title-winners might have been historically, I’m happy. I just did it my style – by being a fair driver, by trying to be an respectful driver."

Nerve-Wracking Finale

Norris also conceded that, despite appearances, the closing moments were incredibly tense.

"I felt calm until three corners to go, then I started to shake a little bit," he recalled. "Seeing the team after taking the flag is a moment that I’ll always remember."

A Remarkable Comeback

The driver's journey to the championship involved a remarkable recovery from being far adrift of then-leader Oscar Piastri in the summer. A mechanical failure in the Dutch Grand Prix served as a key turning point.

"I was like: ‘Oh, shoot. I’m quite a long way behind against a pretty freaking fast driver, and I’ve got to raise my game,’" Norris explained. "I got to be more myself because of external factors, bringing in more experts in different areas to unlock more of my ability."

Competitors' Responses

Max Verstappen: No Regrets

The reigning champion took only positives from his team's season, having fought back from a 104‑point deficit. He believed they had done everything possible against a papaya car that was often the faster package.

"Yes, absolutely, I have no regrets about my season," he said. "Our pace has been impressive. I’ve hated this car at times, but I’ve also excelled in it at times."

However, the driver reacted testily when questioned about a controversial incident at the Barcelona race where a time punishment cost him critical points.

"People overlook all the other stuff that happened," Verstappen snapped. "A championship is won over a full season... I have also had a lot of early Christmas presents come my way."

The Runner-Up's Reflection

The visibly dejected Oscar Piastri, who had led for much of the season, reflected he would learn from the defeat.

"Naturally I would have wished for a slightly different ending," he stated. "But I think this year I’ve learned a hell of a lot about myself behind the wheel and as a person... In the end there’s a little bit of disappointment but I think I can be extremely pleased."